ATCMA Advocacy and Profession Update

ATCMA continues to advocate for, support, and strengthen the future of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in British Columbia. From scope of practice advocacy and herbal medicine discussions to ICBC engagement and member education, there is important work happening behind the scenes on behalf of the profession.

Here are some of the key areas we’re currently focused on.

Supporting the Next Generation of TCM Professionals

The future of our profession depends on the strength and engagement of students and new practitioners entering the field.

We encourage all TCM students in BC to become members of the ATCMA. Membership is an opportunity to:

• Have your voice heard
• Help shape the future of the profession
• Stay informed about important regulatory and practice changes
• Access member benefits, resources, discounts, and educational opportunities
• Build connections within the TCM community

The profession is changing rapidly, and student involvement matters now more than ever.

Advocacy for Scope Modernization & Chinese Herbal Prescribing

The ATCMA continues to actively engage with the BC government and the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC) regarding the HPOA, our regulations, the bylaws, our standards of practice, and the advancement of the TCM profession.

One of our key priorities remains the return of the restricted activity of prescribing Chinese herbal formulas. We continue to advocate for a regulatory approach that respects both the TCM profession and public safety.

We are also continuing conversations around scope modernization and expansion. Other healthcare professions in BC, including physiotherapists and midwives, have recently seen increases in their scope of practice. We believe TCM practitioners should also be meaningfully included in discussions about modern, evidence-informed healthcare delivery.

Understanding the Impact of the HPOA Transition

Since the implementation of the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) on April 1, practitioners across BC have been adapting to significant changes affecting practice and regulation.

These changes include:

• New bylaws and standards of practice
• Updated insurance requirements
• Changes in licensing structures and costs
• New regulatory processes and expectations

The ATCMA continues working to fully understand the implications of these changes and advocate where concerns arise. 

If you have not already done so, we encourage you to complete our survey and share how these changes are impacting your practice, costs, and day-to-day work. Your input helps guide future advocacy priorities and discussions with regulators and government.

Ongoing Engagement with Health Canada on Chinese Herbs & Natural Health Products

The ATCMA continues to participate, by invitation, in consultative discussions with the Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) branch of Health Canada regarding regulation of natural health products, including Chinese herbal medicine.

Recently, we participated in a fulsome one-on-one conversation covering many of the issues practitioners and dispensaries are concerned about, including:

• Access and availability of Chinese herbs
• Protection of the traditional herbal pharmacopeia
• Safety and efficacy considerations
• Practical regulatory and cost implementation concerns

We continue advocating for a balanced approach that protects public safety while preserving meaningful access to traditional herbal medicine for practitioners and patients alike.

Continued Collaboration with ICBC

The ATCMA remains engaged with Insurance Corporation of British Columbia to help improve understanding of how TCM practitioners can support individuals recovering from motor vehicle accident (MVA) injuries.

This includes the important role TCM can play in addressing:

• Physical injuries and pain
• Emotional impacts
• Mental health and stress-related symptoms associated with trauma and recovery

We are also continuing to share practical information with members about communication and administrative processes involving ICBC.

ATCMA members are invited to attend our upcoming lunchtime talks with ICBC this June, where members will have opportunities to learn more and ask questions directly.

Continuing Education Still Matters

Although continuing education units (CEUs) are no longer required for licensing, we continue to believe that ongoing education and skill development are essential for effective, ethical, and high-quality patient care.

We want to continue offering relevant and meaningful educational opportunities for practitioners across BC.

We’d love your feedback:

• What kinds of courses or topics would you like to see?
• What areas of practice would you like more support in?

We also encourage members to explore our upcoming courses and recorded past presentations available online.

Working Collaboratively Across BC and Canada

ATCMA continues to work collaboratively with healthcare associations across British Columbia, particularly the other professions within our college — naturopathic doctors, registered massage therapists, and chiropractors. While each profession has unique priorities, we share many common concerns around regulation, sustainability, and patient access to care.

We also stay connected with TCM associations across Canada to share insights, stay informed on national developments, and strengthen advocacy efforts for the profession both provincially and nationally.

Building Community & Practice Support

Beyond advocacy and regulation, we also recognize the importance of community connection and peer support within the profession.

We are considering organizing social and practice-supportive events this summer and would love to hear from members and practitioners interested in attending in-person gatherings.

What would you like to see?

We welcome your ideas and feedback as we continue building a stronger, more connected TCM community in BC.

Stay Connected

The ATCMA remains committed to advocating for the profession, supporting practitioners and students, and helping shape a strong future for Traditional Chinese Medicine in British Columbia.

Thank you to all members, volunteers, students, and practitioners who continue contributing their voices, time, and expertise to this important work. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.